The stone tiles from Homa gneiss have a primary beige "earthy" color, which transitions to gray and occasionally to brown. Smaller-sized stone tiles with a width of 5cm or 7cm are suitable for decorative cladding on smaller walls, bar counters, fireplaces, and columns. It easily combines with wood and steel accents. It brings warmth, spa tranquility, and opens up space with its uncompromising characteristic of heavy natural stone.
Larger tiles with a width of 10cm or 15cm are a classic choice for exterior cladding or courtyard stone paving in modern family homes. Elegance with natural beauty is the overall effect. The mood is classy, modern provincial, and of high quality.
Homa stone comes in natural beige shades that ground us and bring inner peace. "Homa" comes from the Greek language and means "earth."
Choose it for your home and you can combine it beautifully with gray and woody colors.
Like every beautiful thing and like every natural material, natural stone requires proper care and maintenance.
We recommend: always treat stone surfaces with the right products for natural stone!
Regardless of the type of stone and its location, a single application of sealing agent will save you unnecessary worries and greatly facilitate maintenance.
Everything needs care. Use the high-quality German products from AKEMI, with which we have been working and recommending for years.
The treated impregnated surface does not allow water and contaminants to penetrate.
The protection with a sealer provides resistance against the destructive cycles of freezing and melting in external conditions. Water simply does not absorb when the stone surface is impregnated but forms droplets.
Depending on the type of sealer, it may not alter the external appearance of the stone or deepen its colors. Choose among the following types of sealers:
"Universal" sealer, which does not change the appearance of the stone and protects against water.
"Wet Effect" - a powerful sealer, like the Universal one, but with colors standing out in a more intense contrast.
"Stain-Free" is the best sealer: it protects against water and grease, also without changing the external appearance of the stone.
The frequency of reapplication depends on conditions and the usage of the stone tiles (whether it is flooring and traffic intensity). Usually, AKEMI recommends every 5 years for exterior stone, flooring + wet areas, and 10 years for interior stone (wall cladding).
How to apply the sealer? - It's easy, like child's play. The stone surface must be clean and very dry. The liquid is applied undiluted with a roller, sponge, or brush. If the surface is smooth polished or matte, a second step is required: the so-called "polishing" with a microfiber cloth for 20 minutes after applying the sealer. And we're done.
What cleaning products are used for natural stone? - Some types of stone, such as marble and travertine, are sensitive to acidic, very strong cleaning agents (e.g. bleach). We recommend: always clean your stone surfaces with a pH-neutral cleaning agent.
Ask us if you have any more questions! We are here and happy to assist.
How to breathe new life into natural stone in the exterior?
In a few steps, natural stone can be restored to its original state, in its full brilliance and aesthetics.
First and foremost is regular cleaning and at least once a year thorough washing with a pressure washer. This is particularly important for our outdoor furniture products (barbecues, sinks, tables, countertops, and pavement tiles).
Once the surfaces are clean and dry, do not forget to apply a sealer.
Tip: Protect your outdoor flooring from furniture that may rust.
For specific stains such as oily spots, efflorescence (cement milk), mold, cement residues, or grout mixtures, silicones, or paints, it is best to contact us directly for consultation. Count on us; we will provide you with the right products to address the issue, wherever and whenever possible.
The durability of natural stone depends on the specific porosity of the stone type and its water absorption levels. For example, the porosity of granite and gneiss is around 1%, while sandstone has over 20%.
The biggest destructive enemies for items, coverings, and pavements exposed year-round are the sun and freeze/thaw cycles. When the stone is sealed/waterproof, you will receive maximum protection and much easier maintenance.
In severe cases of areas with contamination, the non-polished stone surface can be treated with an angle grinder and fine sandpapers. This process removes the top layer of the stone, making it look like new. (The process is similar to sanding wooden parquet.)
Stone is the best friend of the yard and garden. With love for beautiful, natural materials and proper care, the stone will continue to bring you joy for many years to come.